Nicholls philosophical after missing century by two runs
Henry Nicholls was philosophical after an opportunity to celebrate his maiden test century on home soil was dashed by a classic case of the ‘‘nervous nineties’’ at Hagley Oval.
The Cantabrian succumbed to a loose drive on 98 when he dragged an inviting delivery from Mehedi Hasan onto his stumps, though that disappointment was tempered by making a significant contribution to the Black Caps ninewicket win over Bangladesh on Monday.
‘‘It’s disappointing missing the two runs, but great to contribute and get us to a lead batting with the lower order,’’ the 25-year-old said, after his runs helped give the Black Caps a 65-run first innings lead.
‘‘If I got two more I would’ve wanted 50 more. Going for the team first, I wasn’t too worried in the end.’’
Nicholls who had been dropped on two on Saturday, edged a four to enter the 90s and then produced another couple of streaky shots as the crowd became anxious.
‘‘I struggled to get a bit of rhythm, it was bit ‘nervous nineties’, but it’s an experience I can take forward when I’m in that position again.
Nicholls, who compiled a timely 53 at the Basin Reserve as his place at No.5 in the test order, was pleased to produce another useful knock, though accepted his 149-ball vigil was no guarantee of retention for the three-test series with South Africa in March.
‘‘I haven’t been too worried about that side of it,’’ he said, regarding the selection process.
‘‘I’ve been fortunate to have backing of group, who are really supportive of me and my game.
‘‘I don’t think two knocks changes too much.
‘‘Every time you play for New Zealand you need to get runs, it can be a pretty fickle game,’’ he said, after his average rose from 26.57 to 31.33.
Captain Kane Williamson singled out Nicholls’ contribution after he added a vital 57 for the ninth-wicket with Neil Wagner.
‘‘It was a brilliant contribution. For Henry to go out and play in that positive fashion and give us that extra 65 runs with the tail, the maturity he showed, it was a brilliant knock.
‘‘I know he’ll probably be a little bit disappointed, there’s always that figure in your mind at times, but he’s a great fella and he sets out with the same goal as all of us, and that’s the try and do a job for the team and he certainly did that.’’